Mendoza RM2

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	Weapon: Mendoza RM2 Type: Light Machine Gun Country of Origin: Mexico Year Adopted: 1945 Caliber: .30-06 Springfield Action: Gas Operated Fully Automatic Overall Length (mm): 1100.0 Overall Length (in): 43.31 Weight (kg): 6.30 Weight (pounds): 13.89 Effective Range (m): 600 m Effective Range (yards): 656.17

The Mendoza RM2 is a Mexican light machine gun developed by Productos Mendoza in the mid-20th century as an evolution of the earlier Mendoza RM1. Designed to be lightweight and easy to handle, the RM2 features a gas-operated, air-cooled mechanism but dispensed of the quick-change barrel system of earlier Mendoza designs. It is chambered in .30-06 Springfield, making it compatible with standard US military ammunition during its time period. The weapon is fed by a top mounted box magazine, allowing for rapid magazine changes in sustained fire roles. The RM2 was designed with a relatively simple and durable construction, making it ideal for use in rugged environments.

Production of the Mendoza RM2 was relatively limited, with most units being used by the Mexican military and law enforcement agencies. Unlike other contemporary machine guns such as the Bren or BAR, the RM2 was primarily produced for domestic use rather than for large-scale export. Despite its solid design and reliability, it did not gain significant international adoption due to the dominance of better-known Western and Soviet machine guns in global arms markets.

While not as widely recognized as other machine guns of its era, the Mendoza RM2 holds historical significance as one of Mexico's indigenous firearm designs. It showcases the country's efforts to develop and produce its own military weapons rather than relying solely on foreign imports. Though largely phased out in favor of more modern weapons, the RM2 remains an important part of Mexico's small arms history. Today, it is primarily found in military surplus collections and among firearms enthusiasts interested in Latin American weaponry.